August 16, 2024
10 Creative Cake Smash Alternatives
- cake smash ·
- Milestone ·
- Children
Chattanooga Baby Photographer
Cake Smash Session Information
Why choose me as your Chattanooga baby photographer for cake smashes?
Cake smash photo sessions combine 3 of my favorite things: photography, cake, and babies! Most parents choose cake smash sessions for their child's first birthday but you can smash a cake at any age! As a Chattanooga baby photographer, I specialize in custom cake smash sessions for first birthdays or any birthday/special occasion that calls for cake! Your custom cake smash session can take place outside at a beautiful location or I can create a custom design in my home studio which is the perfect size for smashing cakes!
I have 2 antique high chairs available for use and many cake plates and props to accent your perfect session. I even have some baby girl outfits available in my client closet if you need something special for your little princess to wear. I love designing new sessions so let's chat about your vision for the perfect Chattanooga cake smash photo session!
Chattanooga Baby Photographer - Cake Smash Portfolio
A small collection of some of my favorite cake smash session images.
Christian Michelle PHotography is featured in
Client Testimonials
Katie Cordell
“This is better than anything I found on Pinterest! We just love our pictures so much!”
How your Cake Smash session works from start to finish.
Before your session
We will start with a quick planning phone call to discuss any themes or ideas you have for your baby's cake smash session and whether you want a cake smash session in the studio or at an outdoor location. I’ll even ask you to invite me to your Pinterest board so that I can see what you like as I design your session! The session fee is $250 and covers most themes and types of cake smashes. If you want something more elaborate, I can give you a custom quote on the session fee depending on your needs. You'll choose your image collection after you've seen the photos fully edited in an online gallery. Click here to get more information on image collection pricing and how my session pricing works.
Most of my clients prefer to bring their own cake (homemade or otherwise) or I can suggest a couple of local bakers and bakeries that create the cutest cakes! I also have a small collection of cake plates to use for your session or you are welcome to bring your own.
DURING YOUR SESSION
I start each session with the typical milestone photos of your baby in the cute setup that we have planned. During the cake smash part of your session, I like to get a lot of photos of all the action plus pay special attention to the little details - like icing-covered fingers. Babies generally know what to do when you put a cake in front of them (weird how that works) but I have some clever tricks and prompts to encourage any shy babies to get their hands in there and really smash that cake. One of my favorite photos to include in your gallery are the cake before the smash and what is left of the cake after.
After your session
I always plan for cleaning up, even when the location is outdoors. As a Chattanooga baby photographer, I like to leave any space I use better than I found it and this includes completely cleaning up after your cake smash session so that you can focus on your little one. For cake smash sessions that take place in my home, you’ll have access to the guest bathroom and I have plenty of wipes and towels available for you to use. You can even use the bathtub if it was a particularly successful cake smash!
What does it cost?
Cake smash session fees start at $250 and image collections start at $750. Your image collection is selected after you see your fully edited photos in an online gallery. My clients plan to spend a minimum of $1000+ on their photo session after the final images are selected.
Want to keep reading?
Check out these blog posts featuring cake smash sessions!
Cake Smash Session FAQ
Is a cake smash session only for first birthdays?
No way! Cake smash sessions are for any birthday or special occasion! I’ve seen ½ birthday cake smashes, 30th birthday cake smashes, dog birthday cake smashes. If there is cake and someone is willing to smash it, I’ll be there to photograph it!
Is the cake included?
I recommend that you bring the cake (homemade or otherwise) in case of any allergies or special needs your child may have. I'm happy to recommend local bakers and bakeries that make adorable special occasion cakes if you would prefer.
Should the cake smash be outdoors or in studio?
It depends! Sometimes the time of year will make indoors a necessity but if it's an option, the theme or look you want might do better outside or in studio. Let's chat about your ideas and design the perfect cake smash session!
What if my child won't cooperate or doesn't like cake?
It certainly wouldn't be the first time I've worked with kids who weren't interested in having their photos taken on a particular day. But don't worry, I've got some tricks up my sleeve when it comes to working with children and am very patient and understanding. I've even got tricks to make it look like they are eating cake even if they won't touch it! If you've got specific concerns unique to your children, let's talk!
What should my baby wear?
It is totally up to you but it should be something you don’t mind getting cake and icing all over. You may want to choose 2 outfits if you are worried about messing up something nice. I’m happy to help you find the perfect cake smash outfit or offer something from my client closet.
Can we do family photos or include siblings in the cake smash?
I suggest we schedule a separate session on another day if you want to include family photos. Cake smashes can be very stimulating and your baby might not cooperate for family photos as well as the cake smash if we do them back-to-back. If you're interested in adding sibling or family photos, let me know and I can offer a discount on booking 2 sessions. With that said, I don't mind if siblings or parents hop in at the end of the cake smash session for some extra cake smashing or squishy icing kisses. Just prepare to get dirty!
I still have questions.
No worries! Message me your question and I’ll get right back to you.
Have you considered combining a cake smash session with a bath session?
It's easy to do both in one photo session!
Would you like a free consultation to discuss a cake smash photo session?
Message me now to get started!
